Jacoby D. Bethea, known on stage as Bass Prophet, is a 16-year-old musical prodigy from Palm Beach County, Florida, whose extraordinary gift for music was evident before he could even walk. With perfect pitch, a natural sense of rhythm, and a passion for sound, Jacoby has been stunning audiences and mentors alike with his ability to hear, feel, and play music in ways well beyond his years.

His journey began with clapping on beat as a toddler, singing with key changes at just three years old, and by eight, astonishing his mother with his ability to name any key or chord by ear. At nine, a ukulele sparked his love for strings, but it was a spontaneous visit to Guitar Center that revealed his innate talent for bass. After hearing a song once, Jacoby could play the bassline without hesitation—and he hasn’t stopped since.

Now known as Bass Prophet, Jacoby has carved a path of excellence and inspiration. He began performing weekly at his church, took virtual lessons with professional bassists, and studied under Anthony Wellington at the prestigious School of Bassology. A lover of jazz, he taught himself upright bass and earned a place at the elite Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, where he majors in Strings with a minor in Jazz Studies.

Currently a junior, Jacoby plays in his school’s top Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra. His talent has led him to share the stage with music legends like Tye Tribbett, Sherman Irby, Ron Blake, Ed Calle, and Ted Nash. His awards include:

Most Outstanding Bassist in the State of Florida at the Regional Essentially Ellington Competition in Orlando.

First Prize Winner of Palm Beach Has Talent.

Most Outstanding Bassist in the World at the Global Essentially Ellington Competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York.

And a full scholarship to attend the Summer Jazz Academy of Jazz at the Lincoln Center.

In addition to electric and upright bass, Jacoby also plays piano, trombone, and acoustic guitar. He blends jazz, gospel, R&B/pop, funk, and classical styles with ease, driven by musical heroes like Jaco Pastorius, Paul Chambers, Ray Brown, Jimmie Blanton, and Christian McBride.

What makes Jacoby stand out isn’t just his technical skill—but his soul. His ability to improvise and blend genres gives his music both emotion and edge, creating a sound that resonates with audiences of all kinds.

Jacoby is just getting started, and his mission is clear: to pursue music with excellence and inspire others through the power of music.

Follow his journey on Instagram: @bassprophet_